"What we're seeing this year is a much earlier start to the flu season, and a much stronger start," said State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk.

Officials said there were 398 confirmed flu cases reported in Iowa this past week compared to 10 cases this time last year. There have also been 49 hospitalizations due to the flu this year compared to only 8 at this time last year.

"That shows you the seriousness of illness is much earlier this year and much higher this year," said Quinlisk.

Quinlisk said it's hard to say why we're seeing this rapid increase in flu cases, but it's not hard to see the symptoms of someone who has this respiratory disease.

"A fever, sore throat, coughing, aches and pains, you might have joint pains. You may have chills. It makes you tired. You might lose your appetite -- basically it puts you to bed," said Quinlisk.

Normally about 10 percent of patients one Iowa Health clinic in Ankeny come in complaining of flu like symptoms.

Dr. Einar Arason said he's seen an obvious jump.

"I'd say probably 40 to 50 percent of patients that I am seeing, or the ones I have seen over the last one to two weeks are coming in with influenza-like symptoms," said Arason.

Doctors still insist that the best preventative measure is to get a flu shot.

"If you get sick after you've gotten a flu shot, it's because the flu shot woke up your immune system and it started fighting what you had already," said Hy-Vee Pharmacist Bruce Babcock.

Doctors said the flu shot not only protects you, but those around you who are more susceptible to the flu like babies and the elderly.

"You can spread the disease up to 48 hours before you develop any symptoms," said Arason.

Unfortunately when you have the flu, doctors said there is not much you can do, but ride it out. It usually takes one to two weeks.

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